Banner mounting device

ABSTRACT

A bracket for a banner mounting device which includes transverse members which hold the banner tensioned in a taut position, said bracket having open slot means for engaging the transverse member intermediate its length and holding the same in position when in use, under tension and subject to external forces such as result or may result from wind, storm, rain and changing temperatures.

[451 July 11, 1972 United States Patent Gilmoure Mollet et al. .....................40/I45 R X s4 BANNER MOUNTING DEVICE 3.310.899 3/1967 Hart et al..... 3,495,346 2/1970 [72) Inventor. Harold J. Glllnoure, Shaker Heights, Ohio 3.550.297 2/1970 Fricddcmnm [73] Assignee: Sales Promotion Products, Inc. Cleveland .5 .0 3 6/ I9 Ohio Primary Examiner-Robert W. Michell med: 1970 Assistant Examiner-Wenceslao J. Contreras [2|] Appl. N0.: 90,649

Anomey-B0sw0rth, Sessions. Herrstmm & Cain Related US. Application Data CT Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 76! .647. Sept. 23, A bracket for a banner mounting device which includes transl968, Pat. No. 3,564,743.

verse members which hold the banner tensioned in a taut position. said bracket having open slot means for engaging the transverse member intermediate its length and holding the same in position when'in use, under tension and subject to ex- ....40/|25, 125 H, 145, I28 lemal forces such as result or may result from wind, storm,

rain and changing temperatures.

5| lnt.Cl...........

Reterences Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS PATENTEDJUL 1 1 m2 sum 1 BF 2 INVENTOR. HAE'OLO J. GILMOUQE w m. m 1 A WWJMW M & M

BANNER MOUNTING DEVICE CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of applicant's copending application Ser. No. 76l,647 filed Sept. 23, 1968 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,564,743.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to new and improved apparatus and means for mounting display banners, advertising signs, posters and the like on posts, upright poles and supports.

2. Description of the Prior Art Many devices have been proposed for mounting display banners, advertising signs, posters and the like. Some of these eliminate the need for ropes sewed in the banners and others require that the banners have ropes sewed therein.

Many people believe that banners with rope ties have advantages in terms of appearance. In any event, all such devices must be relatively easily used and reused and should hold and support the banner so as, on the one hand, to protect the same from deleterious effects due to wind and the like and, on the other hand, to ensure that the banner is easily visible and does not have its attractiveness diminished or adversely effected by the structure of the mounting device. Further, the art has not provided a banner mounting device which is easily and readily adapted for use both with banners having ropes sewed therein and banners having pockets for reception of mounting hardware.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The general object of this invention is to provide a new and improved apparatus for mounting display banners, posters, signs and the like.

A further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved apparatus for mounting display banners, posters, signs and the like which is easily and readily adapted for use both with banners, posters and signs having ropes for attachment and suspension and with those having pockets for reception of the mounting hardware; which is easily and readily used and reused; which has new and improved means for supporting the banner sign or poster in an extended position (both vertically and horizontally) on a post, upright pole or the like; which holds and supports the banner, poster or sign in an attractive manner and does not detract from the appearance and attractiveness thereof; which has improved means for positively holding the elements or parts and portions of the device in predetermined positions; which is easily assembled and disassembled; which protects or aids in protecting the banner from deleterious effect due to winds and the like exerting torsional and other forces thereon; and which has a new and improved coaction with the banner, poster or sign mounted thereby.

A still further object of this invention is to provide new and improved apparatus for mounting display banners, posters, signs and the like obtaining one or more of the objects set forth above.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved bracket for use in and in conjunction with banner mounting apparatus having the objects and advantages set forth above which is easily and quickly engaged in operative relationship with the transverse or tensioning member and which, nevertheless, holds and retains the transverse or tensioning member in position even when in use and subject to wind, rain, storm, changing temperature and other weather conditions.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will appear from the following description of preferred forms thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAMNGS FIG. I is a perspective view of a pair of banners supported and mounted by apparatus embodying a preferred form of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view, on an enlarged scale, of the mounting apparatus shown in FIG. I together with a portion of the pole upon which the same is mounted;

FIG. 3 is a broken, sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 44 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 55 of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of the bracket embodying a preferred form of this invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another pair of banners mounted, in part, by means of apparatus embodying a preferred form of this invention; and

FIG. 8 is a top view of the preferred form of apparatus embodying this invention shown in FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Advertising banners, posters or signs of the type with which this invention relates are usually mounted in parallel pairs on poles extending therebetween and face in opposite directions. Such display banners, posters or signs are used extensively outside, on upright sign-supporting or light poles in gasoline filling stations and similar locations, where their double faces are visible to traffic approaching from either direction.

Broadly this invention comprises new and improved means and apparatus for mounting such banners, posters and signs (hereinafter called banners) comprising a transversely extending, rodlike support, brace or stretcher of length greater than the length (or width) of the banner in the same direction, and having sufiicient spring and resiliency to exert a force in tension on a banner mounted thereby, a bracket for holding the brace, brackets carried on the brace at the respective ends thereof having apertures for tying the banner ropes thereto, means for locating and holding the brackets in predetermined position on the brace and means by which the bracket is supported on a strap which is, in turn, mounted on the pole or post upon which the banner is to be supported.

The bracket for holding the brace is of such structure and nature that it is easily and quickly operatively engaged and disengaged with the brace so that banners are quickly and easily mounted and dismounted, even by unskilled help. yet the bracket holds and secures the brace in position even against adverse weather conditions such as wind, storm, rain and changing temperatures.

More particularly, apparatus embodying this invention is indicated generally at 1, FIG. I, and is shown together with the banner 2, which is mounted thereby and with which it coacts, the pole 4 on which the banner is mounted and the strap 5 by which the apparatus 1 is supported on the pole.

Also, as shown, each banner 2 is supported by two apparatus I, one of which is mounted above and the other below the respective edges of the banner to hold the same taut.

Further, as shown in FIG. I, a pair of banners may be, and conveniently is, mounted in back-to-back relation on a single pole so that the message on the banners may be seen by persons approaching from either direction and in such instances a single strap 5 may be used to mount both of the apparatus I at the corresponding ends of the back-to-back banners.

Banner 2 is, of course, provided with a suitable advertisement, picture or other message on the front or exposed face or side thereof. As shown, banner 2 is adapted to be held in position or mounted by means of a plurality of ropes or ties and to this end a rope 7 is sewn into opposite edges, sides 8 and 10, for example, of banner 2. Ropes 7 are each of greater length than the length of the banner in the direction parallel with the rope and each rope extends beyond the transverse edges or ends (top 11 and bottom 13, as shown, of the banner) to provide two spaced ties 14 at each end of the banner 2 by which the banner is mounted and supported in position by the ap paratus l and, more particularly, two such apparatus, spaced apart as explained above.

Apparatus 1 includes a transversely extending brace member or means 16 which is of length greater than the distance between the adjacent ties 14 so as to hold or stretch the banner taut in the transverse direction, as will hereinafter be more fully explained.

In addition, brace 16 is resilient, preferably in substantially all directions relative to its center, and springlike in the direction in which the ropes 7 extend; i.e., perpendicular to the brace itself and parallel with the banner 2. The brace 16 coacts and co-operates with the corresponding brace at the other end, bottom 13 as viewed, of the banner to maintain the banner taut or stretched out on the one hand, yet gives and bends in the direction toward and away from the other brace in response to wind and external stimuli to protect the banner. Brace 16 also cushions, bends and twists to a predetermined degree about a longitudinal axis to protect against the deleterious effect of torsional forces exerted on the banner and tending to twist it about its own longitudinal axis.

Accordingly, brace 16 is preferably made of spring steel, is cylindrical or rodlike in shape and, for use with banners of the size and kind in conventional use today at gas and service sta tions and the like, is conveniently of about one-fourth inch in diameter.

In order to provide means for readily and easily tying the ties 14 of ropes 7 to the brace 16 a pair of brackets 17 are mounted on brace 16, one at each end thereof. Brackets 17 are spaced apart a distance greater than the distance between the ropes 7 at the adjacent edge, top II or bottom 13, as the case may be, of the banner 2 so that the tying or engagement between the brackets I7 and adjacent ties 14, respectively, will stretch the banner laterally, as viewed, in the manner described above. To this end each bracket 17 preferably includes an aperture l9, by which it may be slipped on or over brace 16 and which is preferably of a diameter slightly larger than the brace, to have a free sliding fit therewith.

Bracket l7 also includes or provides means for engagement with or on which ties 14 may be securely tied to maintain the banner on the brace 16. Such means conveniently and preferably comprises a second aperture 20 of sufficient diameter to receive the tie l4 therethrough so that the tie may then be tied about the bracket.

Also, in order to strengthen bracket 17, improve the appearance of the assemblage and co-ordinate the mechanical structure of the apparatus 1 with the force vectors involved in the suspension of the banner by the ties on the brace, bracket 17 is preferably bent, as at 22, between the apertures 19 and 20 so that the leg or portion 23 of bracket I7 containing aperture 20 lies in a plane so as to be substantially an extension of the tie 14 which is tied thereto.

Brackets 17 are maintained in spaced relation on brace 16, preferably near the respective ends thereof, by suitable stops 24, see FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, which prevent the inward displacement of the bracket either at the time they are positioned on the brace or, in particular, when subjected to tension by the force of the tie l4 acting thereon, when the banner is mounted. Means is, also, preferably provided for retaining the brackets 17 on brace I6 after they are positioned thereon. Such means conveniently may comprise speed nut 25 which, slip over the respective ends of and grasp the brace 16 and when provided with plastic covers 26, also are decorative in appearance, FIG. 2.

Strap is of the common type having a plurality of parallel slots 30 therein, which is tightened by means of a screw 31 engaging and coacting with the slots 30.

In order to support the brace 16 on pole 4 and more particularly on the strap 5, each apparatus 1 also includes a central bracket 35 which, on the one hand, interengages with and supports the brace 16 and, on the other hand, interengages and is supported by the strap 5 and hence by the pole 4.

Bracket 35 preferably engages both brace 16 and strap 5 at spaced apart points so as to provide a more stable and torsionresistant support for the brace and banner. To this end bracket 35 is conveniently bifurcated or U-shaped, FIGS. 1, 3 and 6,

with a base portion 36 and two parallel leg portions 38 and 39 extending perpendicularly thereto.

Each bracket leg 38 and 39 is provided with means, such as aperture 41, by which the bracket is supported on and sup ports brace 16 and with means, disposed nearer the strap 5 than the aperture 41, such as slot 42, by which the bracket is mounted on and supported by strap 5, and in engagement with the pole 4. Conveniently, for purposes of appearance and ease of use, base 36 of bracket 35 is disposed outwardly, relative to the pole, of brace l6 and lies in a plane parallel with that of the banner 2 to be supported by the apparatus. In such instance the ends 44 and 45 of bracket legs 38 and 39. respectively, engage against pole 4 in spaced relationship, to better hold and support the banner.

In order to hold and locate bracket 35, the base 36 is provided with an aperture 50 formed to receive a set or metal screw 51 which is threaded therein and into biting engagement with the brace 16.

In order to provide for the quick and easy interengagement between the brace 16 and the bracket 35, the apertures 41 in the legs 38 and 39 of a bracket are aligned and are generally L or hook-shaped, as shown in FIG. 6. Accordingly, aperture 41 has an open end 53 at the edge 54 of the bracket remote from the banner when the same is in use, a slotlike central portion 56 extending therefrom and an inner, hooked or base portion 57 at the inner end of the slot portion 56 and extending at an angle therefrom. Hook portion 57 is shaped complementary to the brace 16 to be used therewith in order to provide a seat therefor during use. The width of the respective portions of aperture 41 is sufficient to provide a close sliding fit with the brace 16 with which it is to be used and the brace, as suggested above, is positioned and is seated in the hook portion 57 of aperture 41 when the same are assembled and in use. Also, each slot portion 56 of aperture 41 preferably angles away from the ends, 44 or 45 as the case may be, of the bracket legs 38 and 39, respectively, in the direction from the open end 53 of the aperture 4] toward the hook portion 57. This further increases the latching effect of the interengagement of the brace in the hook portion when the two are assembled and in use, since the set screw 5I displaces the brace toward the ends of the bracket legs and into permanent seating engagement with the hook portion 57 when in use.

In use the bracket 35 is merely positioned over the brace 16 which is then seated on the seat 57 of aperture 41 by passing the same through the open end 53 and the slot portion 56. Once the brace and bracket are properly aligned the set screw 5| is tightened and the assembly is completed. In use the open end of the respective apertures 41 is preferably directed in a direction away from the banner being supported thereby, as shown, so that the tension and flexing of the banner will not tend to dislodge the brace from its seat in the bracket.

Ropes 7 may be at the top and bottom of the banner, instead of the sides.

FIGS. 7 and 8, in which like reference characters refer to like parts as in FIGS. 1 to 6 inclusive, depicts another preferred form of apparatus, indicated generally at 1, includ ing a bracket embodying a preferred form of this invention. Apparatus I is particularly adapted for use with banners, posters and the like which have pockets at opposite edges in which the transverse members or braces of a mounting apparatus are inserted for coaction with and support of the banner, poster and the like.

Further, apparatus I embodying this invention is shown, for purposes of illustration, in use with apparatus 59 as depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 3,263,356 to support a banner, although it is to be understood, that the other (lower as viewed) mounting apparatus may be the same as l or take another form, such as, for example, that shown in United States patent application Ser. No. 735,422 filed June 7, 1968.

Apparatus 1 comprises a brace 16' which conveniently is the same as brace I6, except that the stops 24 are omitted, as they serve no function since apparatus I does not include means, such as brackets 17, to which rope or other ties are tied. Instead, brace 16 is disposed within the pocket or hem 60 of the banner 2' to be supported thereby. Apparatus 1' also includes means including strap 5 and bracket 35 by which the brace is supported on the pole 4.

Pocket 60 is of sufficient size to receive the brace 16 and bracket 35 therein and has an aperture 61 at its center through which the bracket extends, when the brace is properly located therein, to engage and coact with the strap 5.

Also, the brace 16' is resilient in the same manner and for the same purpose as brace 16 so as to support the banner taut and under tension, while providing some give and take to resist and bend with forces, such as wind, exerted on the banner so as to mitigate the effect thereof and reduce or preclude deleterious effects or damage to the banner.

In use, the brace 16' is disposed in the pocket 60 and the bracket 35 is mounted on the strap 5. The brace is then hooked over the bracket 35 into aperture 41 and disposed in the seat 57 where it is held by tightening set screw 5|.

The assembly is easily and quickly accomplished and the banner may be equally easily taken down for replacement by loosening the set screws, respectively, and unhooking the respective braces.

Modifications, changes and improvements to the preferred forms of the invention herein particularly disclosed and described may occur to those skilled in the art who come to understand the principles and precepts thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the patent issued hereon should not be limited to the specific forms of the invention herein particularly illustrated, disclosed and described but only consistent with the advance by which the invention has promoted the art.

I claim:

1. ln apparatus for mounting a banner, poster or the like on a post, pole or the like comprising a resilient, transversely extending brace means and bracket means carried on and supporting said brace means in which said bracket means comprises a U-shaped member having a base portion and two parallel legs extending therefrom and spaced apart in the direction of the length of said brace means, each said leg has a first aperture for reception of said brace means and a second aperture, more remote from said base portion than said first aperture, for reception of strap means by which said apparatus is mounted on said post, pole or the like, and the ends of said legs respectively engage said pole, post or the like when said apparatus is mounted thereon, the improvement that each said first aperture is substantially L-shaped with one arm thereof intersecting the edge of the bracket leg in which it is formed and the other arm thereof providing a seat for said brace means.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which said base portion has an aperture therein, a set screw is disposed in said aperture, and said seats of said first apertures are disposed to support said brace means in alignment with said set screw whereby said set screw displaces and holds said brace means in said seats respectively when said apparatus is assembled 3. The apparatus according to claim 2 in which the said one arm of each said first aperture has two ends and said end of said one arm of each said first aperture which intersects a said bracket means leg is more remote from said base portion of said bracket means than the end of the said one arm of each said first aperture remote from said bracket means edge.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3 in which said seat in each said first aperture has a shape complementary to that of the brace means to be supported thereby.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which the said one arm of each said first aperture has two ends and said end of said one arm of each said first aperture which intersects said bracket means leg is more remote from said base portion of said bracket means than the end of the said one arm of each said first aperture remote from said bracket means edge.

t i l I t 

1. In apparatus for mounting a banner, poster or the like on a post, pole or the like comprising a resilient, transversely extending brace means and bracket means carried on and supporting said brace means in which said bracket means comprises a U-shaped member having a base portion and two parallel legs extending therefrom and spaced apart in the direction of the length of said brace means, each said leg has a first aperture for reception of said brace means and a second aperture, more remote from said base portion than said first aperture, for reception of strap means by which said apparatus is mounted on said post, pole or the like, and the ends of said legs respectively engage said pole, post or the like when said apparatus is mounted thereon, the improvement that each said first aperture is substantially Lshaped with one arm thereof intersecting the edge of the bracket leg in which it is formed and the other arm thereof providing a seat for said brace means.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which said base portion has an aperture therein, a set screw is disposed in said aperture, and said seats of said first apertures are disposed to support said brace means in alignment with said set screw whereby said set screw displaces and holds said brace means in said seats respectively when said apparatus is assembled.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2 in which the said one arm of each said first aperture has two ends and said end of said one arm of each said first aperture which intersects a said bracket means leg is more remote from said base portion of said bracket means than the end of the said one arm of each said first aperture remote from said bracket means edge.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 3 in which said seat in each said first aperture has a shape complementary to that of the brace means to be supported thereby.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which the said one arm of each said first aperture has two ends and said end of said one arm of each said first aperture which intersects said bracket means leg is more remote from said base portion of said bracket means than the end of the said one arm of each said first aperture remote from said bracket means edge. 